I have been told by my dealer, not GM though, that any aftermarket modifications that do not keep the warranty only affect the part modified. IE an ECU upgrade can only void the warranty on the ECU, not the turbo, tranny, shafts, anything even though an ECU upgrade affects them, it's not a turbo upgrade so it won't void the turbo warranty. Again, that's one dealers take on the matter, not GM's.

 

That is incorrect. Non GM calibrations will void the power train warranty as stated below.


Service Information 2009 Chevrolet HHR | HHR (VIN A) Service Manual | Document ID: 2182477
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

#08-06-04-033B: Identifying Aftermarket Engine and Transmission Calibrations Gas Powered Engines Only and Automatic Transmissions - (Aug 26, 2008)


Subject: Identifying Aftermarket Engine and Transmission Calibrations 2.0L, 2.2L, 2.4L, 2.8L, 2.9L, 3.0L, 3.1L, 3.2L, 3.4L, 3.5L, 3.6L, 3.8L, 3.9L, 4.2L, 4.3L, 4.4L, 4.6L, 4.8L, 5.0L, 5.3L, 5.7L, 6.0L, 6.2L, 7.0L, 7.4L, 8.1L Gas Powered Engines Only and 6T40/45 (MH8), 6T70/75 (MH2, MH4, MH6, MY9), 6L50 (MYB) 6L80 (MYC) or 6L90 (MYD) Automatic Transmission


Models: 2006-2009 GM Passenger Cars and Light Duty Trucks

2006-2009 HUMMER H2, H3

EXCLUDING Pontiac Vibe, Wave, Chevrolet Aveo, All Saturn and Saab Models

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This bulletin is being revised to remove the Pontiac G8 from the list of excluded vehicles. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 08-06-04-033A (Section 06 -- Engine/Propulsion System).


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Important: This bulletin applies to Gas Powered Engines ONLY. For Diesel Powered Engines, refer to Service Bulletin #08-06-04-006A.

If a suspicious hard part failure is observed in the engine, transmission, transfer case or driveline, perform the calibration verification described to determine if a non-GM issued engine calibration is installed. Non-GM issued engine calibrations subject driveline components to stresses different than the calibrations which these components were validated to. Repairs to engine, transmission, transfer case and/or other driveline components where a non-GM engine calibration has been verified are not covered under the terms of the New Vehicle Warranty.

 

Well that sums it up on the ECU. One questions though. What are the validated stresses on the components? Is it whatever came from the factory? In that case does any GM calibration change these numbers?

 

Anything that is GM has already been tested and meet their guidelines.

 

Thank you!

 

You're welcome.

I have never stated to anyone that they shouldn't tune a vehicle, but I think everyone needs to know the consequences if a failure occurs.

We're all adults and can make our own decisions. When I was a teenager we knew that if something broke it was going to be on our dime to fix it, but the thrill of the race always out weighed our care of what it cost.

FYI, I have only seen one failure on a 4 cylinder vehicle and it was the cracked transmission on a Cobalt. The vehicle had been tuned and the repair was denied. Diesels are what caused this action by GM because tunes to them are causing catastrophic internal engine failures.

 

Just to be on the safe side that Cobalt wasnt tuned by GM correct?. Because if my trans cracks and i have the GM stage kit i better be covered lol

 

It was a non-GM tune.

 

This is my first brand new vehicle, well actually my first vehicle with any warranty. I have never before been concerned about modding a car a voiding a warranty, it's all new to me. But say I did the Hahn IC, piping, air intake, BOV, and turboback exhaust, would any of those void any warranty?

 

i went to the dealer service manager yesterday and ask what mods can i do to my car, i mention tune,exhaust and intake, service manager clearly stated, if failure occurs they do check for non-gm ecu changes that cause over revving , overboost and leaning and that voids your warranty, its the mechanic,manager call, exhaust and intakes no problem ,once a dealer enters your car into the system as altered no dealer will repair drivetrain under warranty, you must pay or fight GM, buy a second box and be safe LOL